We're one step closer to being forced to pay sales tax on items we buy online. Rebecca jarvis is here to explain. Reporter: A proposal to require online retailers to collect state and local sales tax has just cleared a major hurdle. Senators have agreed to end debate on the so-called marketplace fairness act, setting up a final vote early next month. Now, it remains uncertain if the house will go along with it. But the president supports it. So, there is a real possibility that this could become reality. What does it mean? Well, right now, states can only require stores to collect sales tax if the store has a physical presence in that state. Now, this bill would change that. And treat online retailers just like brick and mortar stores. Traditional retailers, like walmart, says this is going to level the playing field. And amazon supports it because it collects sales tax on some purchases. States, they're desperate for revenue. They like it. It is all of them lined up against consumers. Not a heae consumers like to hear. Rebecca, thank you.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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